AP:  DA launches  investigation into CHP’s call for boycotts of companies clsoe to AKP

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office announced that it has launched an ex officio investigation into the divisive rhetoric known as "boycott" calls in the public and the individuals who spread these rhetoric; e.g. main oppostion party CHP. Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç reacted to the boycott calls, saying, "This boycott call is an organized attack, especially on the economy, a smear campaign, an attempt to lynch the local and national brands of this country. This is not acceptable in our legal system."   [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qnXs2jOFCo&t=53s[/embed]   The prosecutor’s office determined that “divisive rhetoric” on traditional and social media aimed at hindering the economic activity of a segment of society constituted “hatred and discrimination” and “incitement to hatred and hostility,” the state-run Anadolu Agency reported.   Anadolu added that the new investigation is to be merged with ongoing investigations into physical and verbal violence committed against certain businesses.   Last month saw Turkey’s largest protests in more than a decade, following the arrest of Istanbul’s opposition Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Imamoglu was jailed pending trial on corruption charges that many see as politically motivated. The government insists the judiciary is independent and free of political interference.       Ozgur Ozel, the head of the main opposition Republican People’s Party, or CHP, to which Imamoglu belongs, held multiple rallies attended by hundreds of thousands to protest the arrest. Criticizing pro-government media for not covering the rallies, Ozel called for a boycott of over a dozen companies that ran advertisements with the outlets. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ia_KCIM06GA&t=55s[/embed]  

Erdogan accuses the opposition of wrecking Turkey’s economy during protests over mayor’s jailing

  Turkey’s president on Wednesday accused the political opposition of “sinking the economy” during the country’s largest protests in more than a decade over the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, the biggest challenger to Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s 22-year rule.   The opposition has called for a boycott of companies that it says support Erdogan’s government. The Turkish president accused the opposition of being “so desperate that they would throw the country and the nation into the fire.”   In his address to lawmakers with his Justice and Development Party, or AKP, Erdogan added that “sabotage targeting the Turkish economy will be held accountable before the courts.”   Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who was arrested a week ago, faces charges related to corruption and supporting terrorism within the Istanbul municipality alongside some 90 other suspects. A court ordered him to be imprisoned Sunday. A trial date has not been announced. Many consider the case against Imamoglu to be politically motivated. The government says the judiciary is free of political influence.   The evidence against Imamoglu has not been officially disclosed. Many Turkish media outlets have reported that it is largely based on “secret witnesses.” The use of such testimony has been seen in previous criminal cases against opposition politicians.   IMPORTANT DİSCLOSURE:  PA Turkey intends to inform Turkey watchers with diverse views and opinions.  Articles in our website may not necessarily represent the view of our editorial board or count as endorsement.     Follow our  English language YouTube videos  @ REAL TURKEY:   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKpFJB4GFiNkhmpVZQ_d9Rg And content at Twitter: @AtillaEng Facebook:  Real Turkey Channel:   https://www.facebook.com/realturkeychannel/